U.S. patent number 5,247,406 [Application Number 07/737,783] was granted by the patent office on 1993-09-21 for tape cartridge magazine.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Storage Technology Corporation. Invention is credited to James L. Apple, Ronald L. Campbell, Paul Kummli.
United States Patent |
5,247,406 |
Apple , et al. |
September 21, 1993 |
Tape cartridge magazine
Abstract
A magazine for handling a plurality of tape cartridges. The
magazine includes a plurality of vertically spaced, parallel
shelves having tapered front edges with notches formed therein for
ease of tape cartridge insertion. The slots slant downward to
precisely position and restrain the tape cartridges magazine. A rib
extends through each slot to engage in a tape cartridge notch.
Improperly inserted tape cartridges will be forced to extend
further out of the magazine so that they will be easily identified.
A handle formed on the upper end of the front face of the magazine
causes the lower end of the magazine to pivot forward to restrain
the tape cartridges from accidental dislodgement. A locking strap
is also provided to prevent the tape cartridges from accidentally
dislodging from the magazine.
Inventors: |
Apple; James L. (Boulder,
CO), Campbell; Ronald L. (Thornton, CO), Kummli; Paul
(Boulder, CO) |
Assignee: |
Storage Technology Corporation
(Louisville, CO)
|
Family
ID: |
24965302 |
Appl.
No.: |
07/737,783 |
Filed: |
July 30, 1991 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
360/92.1; 360/71;
360/98.04; 369/34.01; G9B/15.14; G9B/23.017 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G11B
23/0236 (20130101); G11B 15/6825 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G11B
23/023 (20060101); G11B 15/68 (20060101); G11B
015/68 () |
Field of
Search: |
;360/92,71,98.01,91,97.03,98.04,94,96.5 ;369/34,178,192,194 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Porta; David P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Duft, Graziano & Forest
Claims
We claim:
1. A magazine for tape cartridges, said magazine comprising:
a plurality of slot means for holding tape cartridges;
means on said slot means for accurately positioning said tape
cartridges in said magazine;
means on said magazine for restraining said tape cartridges loaded
in said slot means from accidental dislodgement from the magazine;
and
reference means affixed on said magazine for aligning tape
cartridge handling means in automated tape cartridge library
systems.
2. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said magazine includes:
a substantially rectangular structure having a substantially open
front face; and
a plurality of vertically spaced, parallel shelves forming said
slot means.
3. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said slot means include a
plurality of spaced, parallel shelves forming said slot means;
and
said positioning means include said slot means having a downward
slant so said tape cartridges are precisely positioned by the force
of gravity.
4. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said positioning means include a
rib formed at the rear of said slot means for engagement with a
notch on the rear of said tape cartridges when said tape cartridges
are properly inserted in said slot means.
5. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said slot means include a
plurality of spaced, parallel shelves; and
said restraining means include said slot means having a downward
slant so that said tape cartridges are restrained from accidental
dislodgement by the forces of gravity.
6. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said reference means include
removable inserts for replacement when worn or obscured.
7. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said magazine further comprises
means for mounting said magazine directly into tape cartridge
library systems.
8. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said restraining means includes
a handle formed on the upper end of the front face of said magazine
so that lower end of said magazine tilts forward when said magazine
is lifted by said handle due to the center of gravity of said
magazine to restrain said tape cartridges from accidental
dislodgement.
9. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said slot means include a
plurality of spaced, parallel shelves forming said slot means,
and
said insertion means include notches formed on the front edge of
said shelves to provide clearance for insertion and removal of said
tape cartridges.
10. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said slot means include a
plurality of spaced, parallel shelves forming said slot means,
and
said insertion means include tapered front edges on said shelves to
create a funnel-like insertion area on said slot means.
11. The magazine of claim 1 wherein said reference means include
reference means perpendicularly aligned relative to each other to
align said tape cartridge handling means laterally and
vertically.
12. A magazine for tape cartridges, said magazine comprising:
a plurality of slot means for holding tape cartridges;
means on said slot means for accurately positioning said tape
cartridges in said magazine;
means on said magazine for restraining said tape cartridges loaded
in said slot means from accidental dislodgement from the magazine
including a locking strap across said slot means to prevent said
tape cartridges from accidental dislodgement.
13. The magazine of claim 12 wherein said locking strap includes a
body portion, end portions extending substantially perpendicular
from said body portion, and locking hooks formed on said end
portions for engagement with locking means on said magazine.
14. A magazine for tape cartridges, said magazine comprising:
a plurality of spaced, parallel shelves forming slots for holding
tape cartridges;
said shelves having a downward slant to provide means for precisely
position said tape cartridges due to the force of gravity and means
for restraining said cartridges from accidental dislodgement from
said slots due to the force of gravity;
said shelves including tapered front edges to create a funnel-like
insertion area on said slots for insertion of said tape cartridges
in said slots;
notches formed in said front edges for clearance in inserting and
retrieving said tape cartridges in said slots; and
a locking strap having resilient end portions and locking means
formed on said end portions for engagement with locking means on
said magazine for attaching said locking strap across said slots of
said magazine to prevent said tape cartridges from accidental
dislodgement.
15. A magazine for tape cartridges, said magazine comprising:
a plurality of spaced, parallel shelves forming slots for holding
tape cartridges;
said shelves having a downward slant to provide means for precisely
position said tape cartridges due to the force of gravity and means
for restraining said cartridges from accidental dislodgement from
said slots due to the force of gravity;
said shelves including tapered front edges to create a funnel-like
insertion area on said slots for insertion of said tape cartridges
in said slots;
notches formed in said front edges for clearance in inserting and
retrieving said tape cartridges in said slots; and
reference means affixed on said magazine for aligning tape
cartridge handling means laterally and vertically relative to said
magazine.
16. The magazine of claim 15 wherein said magazine further
comprises a rib formed in each slot for engagement with a notch on
said tape cartridges when said tape cartridges are properly
inserted in said slots.
17. The magazine of claim 15 wherein said magazine further includes
a handle formed on the upper end of the front face of said magazine
so that the lower end of said magazine pivots forward when said
magazine is lifted by said handle due to the center of gravity of
said magazine to restrain said tape cartridges from accidental
dislodgement from said magazine.
18. The magazine of claim 15 wherein said reference means include
removable inserts.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to field of magazines for handling of
a plurality of tape cartridges, particularly in automated tape
cartridge library systems.
PROBLEM
Tape cartridges, particularly in tape cartridge library systems,
are typically handled individually, when being loaded, retrieved or
transported. This can be cumbersome and time-consuming, in
instances where large numbers of tape cartridges are involved, such
as in tape cartridge libraries. For instance, in tape cartridge
libraries the tape cartridges are loaded and removed through a
device, such as a cartridge access port, one at a time. Also, these
tape cartridges must frequently be moved on and off-site on a daily
basis, thus necessitating further handling of the tape
cartridges.
Often the tape cartridges are loaded in a sequential order. This
order can easily be disrupted in handling the tape cartridges
individually. Transporting these tape cartridges individually can
also lead to disruption of the order of sequence of the tape
cartridges.
The tape cartridges are susceptible to abuse and damage when
handled and transported individually. This can lead to loss of the
data that was stored on the cartridges.
The tape cartridges loaded into automated tape cartridge library
systems must, by necessity, be in proper orientation for the
robotics to be able to transfer the tape cartridges. However, in
loading the tape cartridges in the library individually, the tape
cartridges are easily misaligned, which can create problems for the
robotics in transferring them.
Therefore, a need exists for a method of efficiently handling the
tape cartridges, not only for loading into and out of a tape
cartridge library, but in transporting on and off site.
SOLUTION
The present invention solves these and other problems by providing
a magazine for carrying a plurality of tape cartridges. The
magazine of the present invention holds a plurality of cartridges
for transporting and for loading into library systems.
The present invention also provides a magazine that can be loaded
directly into a cartridge access port thus eliminating the need for
individually loading tape cartridges.
The magazine of the present invention also allows the tape
cartridges to be loaded in a predetermined sequential order.
The magazine of the present invention presents the tape cartridges
in proper orientation to assist the loading and removal of the
cartridges by the robotics of an automated system.
The magazine of the present invention provides protection of the
tape cartridges during transporting of the magazine.
The magazine of the present invention also provides a mechanism for
locking the tape cartridges into the magazine during the
transportation of the magazine.
The magazine of the present invention provides a reference target
for the robotics to precisely align with for accessing the tape
cartridges.
The present invention solves these and other problems by providing
a magazine as further described in the drawings and the detailed
description of a preferred embodiment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a magazine for handling a plurality
of tape cartridges. The magazine, of a preferred embodiment, is an
upstanding, substantially rectangular structure having a plurality
of vertically spaced, parallel shelves forming slots for holding
tape cartridges. The magazine is preferably formed of a black
one-piece injection molded polycarbonate material for abrasion and
wear resistance.
The front edge of each of the shelves is tapered to create a
"funnel"-like insertion area at the front of each slot. This
improves the ease of insertion of the tape cartridges in the slots.
Notches are formed in each front edge of the shelves to provide
clearance for the tape cartridge handling mechanism as well as the
fingers of the person loading or unloading the tape cartridges in
the magazine. The front edges of the shelves are substantially
horizontal to form a stable platform for inserting the tape
cartridges. The shelves then slant downward, at about ten degrees.
This slant performs two functions. First, it precisely positions
the tape cartridges to the rear of the slots by the force of
gravity. Second, it restrains the tape cartridges from accidentally
dislodging from the magazine due to the force of gravity.
A rib extends through each slot to provide a "keying" feature. The
rib engages in a notch formed on each tape cartridge when the tape
cartridge is properly inserted. If the tape cartridge is improperly
inserted, the rib will not engage in the tape cartridge notch, thus
forcing the tape cartridge to extend further out of the magazine
than the properly inserted tape cartridges. This can be quickly
identified by a visual check and corrected.
A handle is formed on the upper end of the front face of the
magazine. The magazine can be lifted and transported by this
handle. When the magazine is lifted by the handle, the center of
gravity of the magazine will cause the lower end of the magazine to
pivot forward. This will restrain the tape cartridges from
accidental dislodgement from the magazine.
A locking strap is also provided to prevent the tape cartridges
from accidentally dislodging from the magazine. The locking strap
has end portions with locking hooks which snap engage over ledges
formed on the upper and lower ends of the magazine. When secured on
the magazine, the locking strap will extend across the front face
of the magazine to restrain the tape cartridges loaded in the
magazine from accidental dislodgement.
The magazine has removable target inserts affixed on the front face
of the magazine. There are a plurality of target inserts to handle
a plurality of robotic devices. An optical sensing device on the
robotics of an automated tape cartridge library can scan the target
inserts to align the tape cartridge handling mechanism of the
robotics with the magazine.
The magazine can be loaded directly into a cartridge access port in
an automated tape cartridge library system without the need for
individual handling of the tape cartridges. Mounting hooks are
formed on the rear of the magazine for attachment in the cartridge
access ports.
These and other features will become evident from the ensuing
detailed description of a preferred embodiment taken in conjunction
with the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cartridge access port;
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the cartridge access port of
FIG. 1 with the magazines of the present invention loaded
therein;
FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the
magazine of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 3;
and
FIG. 5 is a side view of a locking strap for the magazine of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present invention provides a magazine for handling a plurality
of tape cartridges. The magazine is able to transport a plurality
of tape cartridges and also to be loaded directly into a tape
cartridge library to eliminate the need for individually loading
and unloading of the tape cartridges. Further, the magazine
provides alignment features to reduce the occurrence of misaligned
tape cartridges as well as orienting the tape cartridges for ease
of access, not only for robotics in automated tape cartridge
systems but for manually loading and unloading the tape cartridges
in the magazine. The magazine also provides safety features to
protect the tape cartridges from damage during transporting on and
off site.
The description of a possible preferred embodiment is for
explanatory purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of
the claimed invention. Other embodiments and modifications are
considered to the be within the claimed inventive concept.
The magazine of the descriptive preferred embodiment has particular
application in automated tape cartridge library systems, such as
the library system disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,864,438, issued to
Munro. However, the claimed invention is not meant to be limited to
this particular application but encompasses other applications in
which the claimed invention has merit.
Typically, tape cartridges are loaded into tape cartridge libraries
through a device, such as a cartridge access port. The illustrative
preferred embodiment has particular application in a cartridge
access port, such as the cartridge access ports 10, 12, shown in
FIG. 1. Cartridge access ports 10, 12 are formed in panel 14 of a
tape cartridge library system (not shown). Cartridge access ports
10, 12 include vertically extending doors 16, 18 which open outward
to allow access into the access ports 10, 12. Normally, doors 16,
18 remain closed except during cartridge loading and cartridge
retrieval.
Cartridge access ports 10, 12 extend through panel 14, shown in
FIG. 2, into the interior of the tape cartridge library (not
shown). Magazines 20 of the illustrative preferred embodiment, are
hung vertically above one another in cartridge access ports 10, 12
with slots 22 opening outwardly. Tape cartridges are contained in
slots 22, as discussed below, to be accessible for the robotics
(not shown) of the library system.
Magazine 20, shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, is a substantially
rectangularly shaped structure formed of an injection molded
plastic. In the preferred embodiment, magazine 20 is a one-piece
injection molded polycarbonate structure having high impact
resistance as well as superior wear resistance. However, other
materials and manufacturing process are considered to be within the
claimed inventive concept. Magazine 20 is preferably black or a
dark color to provide contrast with the white targets, discussed
below, and white cartridge labels for the optical sensing devices
in the robotics of many tape cartridge libraries.
Opposing side walls 24, 26 extend vertically beyond upper end 28
and lower end 30. Front wall 32 is substantially open as well. A
series of spaced, parallel shelves 34 extend between side walls 24,
26 to form slots 22 for holding the tape cartridges. The width,
height and depth of slots is chosen to accommodate the size of
standard data storage tape cartridges. The illustrative preferred
embodiment shows ten slots 22. However, the claimed invention is
not meant to be limited to the number and configuration of
cartridge holding slots. The number and configuration of the slots
can be varied as desired within the scope of the claimed
invention.
Front edge 36 of shelves 34 is substantially horizontal to form a
stable platform for the insertion of the tape cartridges in slots
22. Shelves 34 beyond front edge 36 slant downward, at about a ten
degree angle, so the tape cartridges are precisely positioned due
to the forces of gravity and also to restrain the tape cartridges
from accidentally falling out of magazine 20. This downward slant
of slots 22 also creates a "funnel" effect to assist in loading the
tape cartridges in magazine 20.
Notches 38 are formed centrally in each shelf 34 to provide
clearance for the robotics to grasp the tape cartridges. This
clearance also allows manual removal of the tape cartridges from
the magazine. Front edge 36 of each shelf 34 is tapered to provide
additional clearance and also to enhance the "funnel" effect of
slots 22. Upper end 28 and lower end 30 also slant downward to form
a mating surface for the upper most slot and lower most slot.
Notches 38 are also formed in upper end 28 and lower end 30 to
provide ease of access for grasping the tape cartridges loaded
therein.
Rib 40, shown in FIG. 3, extending vertically on the inside portion
of rear wall 42 provides a "keying" feature to prevent misalignment
of the tape cartridges in slots 22. When the tape cartridges are
properly loaded into slots 22, a notch on the back of the tape
cartridges will engage rib 40 so the tape cartridges will fully
seat into slots 22. If the tape cartridges are inserted upside
down, rib 40 will not engage in the tape cartridge notch and will
prevent the tape cartridges from fully seating in slots 22. The
improperly inserted tape cartridges will thus extend further out of
the slots 22 than the properly inserted tape cartridges so they
will be visibly detected.
Rear wall 42 of magazine 20, shown in FIG. 4, includes two
vertical, parallel spaced sections 44, 46. Central area 48, between
sections 44, 46, of rear wall 42 is open for two purposes.
Primarily, the open area reduces the weight of magazine 20. Also,
the tape cartridges can be quickly ejected by pushing the tape
cartridges out of slots 22, if desired. Rear wall 42 has hook
portions 50, 52 for mounting purposes in cartridge access ports 10,
12. Magazine 20 can be quickly mounted in cartridge access ports
10, 12 by inserting hooks 50, 52 over the mounting brackets (not
shown) in cartridge access ports 10, 12.
Side walls 24, 26 include side slots 54 extending into rear wall
42. Side slots 54 also are provided for weight savings. Side slots
54 further allow visual checks from the side to identify any filled
slots 22.
Handle 56 is formed in upper end of front surface 32. Magazine 20
is grasped at handle 56 to be lifted and transported. Lifting
magazine 20 at handle 56 causes magazine 20 to tilt backwards due
to the center of gravity of the magazine, particularly when fully
loaded. The backward tilt of magazine 20 further restrains the tape
cartridges from accidentally falling out of slots 22 when the
magazine is being transported.
Locking strap 60, shown in FIG. 5, is provided for further
safeguards for tape cartridges loaded in magazine 20 during
movement of the magazine. Strap 60 is a narrow elongated strap
formed from a polycarbonate material having body portion with
resilient end portions 62, 64 extending perpendicularly from body
portion 66. Locking hooks 66, 68 are formed on end portions 62, 64,
directed inwardly. Locking hooks 66, 68 engage in ledge portion 70
formed in upper end 28 of magazine 20 and ledge portion 72 formed
in lower end 30 of magazine 20. The resilient action of end
portions 62, 64 allow locking hooks 66, 68 to engage over ledge
portions 70, 72 to lock strap 60 over the front surface of slots 22
to prevent the tape cartridges from accidentally falling out of
magazine 20.
Target inserts 74, 76 are affixed to the upper end of front surface
32 to provide references to align the robotics of automated tape
cartridge library systems. Typically, the robotics of automated
tape cartridge library systems include optical sensing devices
which scan the target inserts 74, 76 to align the tape cartridge
retrieval mechanism of the robotics relative to the magazine.
Target inserts 74, 76 are arranged perpendicularly to one another
to provide vertical and lateral alignment references so the
robotics can be precisely aligned to access the tape cartridges in
magazine 20. Magazine 20 includes slots (not shown) for target
inserts 74, 76 to be removably affixed therein. Target inserts 74,
76 encounter substantial abrasive use and tend to become worn down
so that the optical sensing devices on the robotics may not readily
identify them. Therefore, target inserts 74, 76 may be easily
replaced as the need arises. Target inserts 74, 76 are preferably
of a white or light color to contrast against the black or dark
color of magazine 20.
A second target 78 is provided on front surface 32 of magazine 20.
Target 78 is provided to provide a reference for other types of
optical sensing devices used in automated tape cartridge systems.
The function of target 78 is similar to the above described target
inserts 74, 76.
Tape cartridges are initially inserted into slots 22 of magazine
20. The tape cartridges can be sequentially arranged as desired. If
any cartridges are inserted upside down, then rib 40 will cause the
misaligned cartridges to not fully seat in their slots. A quick
visual check will determine whether any of the tape cartridges were
inserted incorrectly. Once all of the loaded tape cartridges are
correctly inserted, then strap 60 can be locked into place by
extending locking portions 66, 68 over ledges 70, 72 on magazine 20
to prevent the tape cartridges from falling out of magazine 20.
Magazine 20 can be lifted by handle 56 to be transported. The
magazine will tilt backwards to further prevent the tape cartridges
from falling out of magazine 20.
The tape cartridges can then be loaded into the tape cartridge
library through cartridge access ports 10, 12. Doors 16, 18 are
opened and loaded magazines 20 inserted therein by securing hook
portions 50, 52 over mounting brackets in access ports 10, 12 to
secure the magazines therein. Strap 60 is removed and doors 16, 18
closed. Normally, cartridge access ports 10, 12 will rotate the
magazines so front surface 32 of the magazine faces the interior of
the library so the tape cartridges can be accessed by the library
system.
The optical sensing device on the robotics will align the tape
cartridge retrieval mechanism with the magazines by referencing
target inserts 74, 76 or target 78. The tape cartridge retrieval
mechanism then grasps the selected tape cartridge to retrieve or
load a tape cartridge from slot 22 of magazine 20. Front edge 36,
notches 38 and the downward slant of slots 22 all cooperate to
assist in loading and retrieving of the tape cartridges in the
slots.
The tape cartridges are retrieved from the library in a similar
fashion. The magazines are rotated by cartridge access ports 10, 12
so front surface 32 of the magazine faces doors 16, 18 which may
then be opened. Strap 60 is locked onto magazine 20 and the
magazine is lifted by handle 56 from over the mounting brackets of
the cartridge access ports.
The present invention provides a magazine for transporting tape
cartridges as well as loading and unloading tape cartridges into
tape cartridge libraries. The above descriptive preferred
embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not meant to
limit the claimed invention. Other embodiments and modifications
are considered to be within the scope of the claimed inventive
concept.
* * * * *